Medical screenings and other health checks

The earlier a condition is spotted, the easier it is to treat. We recommend regular health checks, especially for people over the age of 40.

A two part check

The check begins with an appointment with a nurse to carry out tests. When the results are back, you will have an appointment with a GP who carries out a thorough examination of the body.

Our personalised health screening provides a truly comprehensive assessment of your body

We recommend a health screen every two years for those under 40 and annually for those over 40.

This medical is designed to detect common medical problems including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, lung disease, anaemia, infections, kidney and liver disease, calcium levels, iron levels, prostate cancer for men, thyroid problems (which are common in women) and vitamin D deficiency which can lead to bone/muscle aches and general tiredness.

Part One

The initial appointment with a highly experienced nurse lasts roughly 40 minutes. The nurse carries out the following:

Blood tests (see full list in Part 2)
“Q-risk” assessment – a cardiovascular disease calculator
Height, weight, BMI and blood pressure readings
Peak Expiratory Flow Rate Measurement – to check lung function
ECG to check for heart disease and rhythm abnormalities
Urine dip test – to check for infection

A urine kit is given on arrival to this appointment and the nurse will carry out a dip test which looks for infection.

A stool kit is also given at this appointment and you can take this home and post to the laboratory in the pre-paid envelope provided.

Further tests can be requested but these will be charged as extra – this includes cervical smear test, sexual health tests, chest X-ray etc.

Part Two

Once we have the test results (usually 2-3 days later), the 40-minute examination takes place with a GP. The doctor will conduct a full head to toe examination of the body including an optional prostate and testicular exam for men and a breast examination for women. The doctor will then discuss the test results and address any concerns, symptoms, past medical history, family history and medication. The doctor can then issue any prescriptions needed and make referrals to any necessary private or NHS specialists. The full blood test list is as follows:

Lipid profile (triglycerides, cholesterol & break down of good/bad fats
Full blood count and ESR (non-specific inflammation)
Kidney function
Liver function
Bone profile
Thyroid function
Diabetes check
Vitamin D level
Prostate specific antigen
Iron

A Personalised Health Screening Report containing all the results of the tests and examinations is emailed or sent to you in the post. This also includes recommendations and advice from the GP, if needed, to improve health and wellbeing going forward.

The total cost of the Personalised Health Screening is £555. A deposit of £155 is taken at the time of booking Part One.

Other health checks/medicals

We carry out a range of tests and checks for specific conditions or purposes.

Prostate test and examination

with detailed counselling on the pros and cons of the tests. Cost £128 (the price includes the 20-minute GP appointment with examination and blood test)

Sexual health testing

blood tests, urine and swab analysis are available to test for the full range of sexually transmitted diseases. Please click here for more information regarding our sexual health clinic

Blood screening

hundreds of blood tests are available to screen for many conditions, illnesses and diseases. Please click here for more information regarding our blood tests

Sport, Visa, Driver, Work and Travel medicals

most medicals can be carried out in a 20-minute GP appointment which costs £93. Some medicals may take a bit longer and will be priced slightly higher. Please click here for more information regarding our medicals for sport, driving, work, foreign travel and visas

Smear Tests

At Dorset Private GP in our Bournemouth clinic, we can carry out two types of Cervical Screening (Smear Test). Option 1 is HPV testing only and Option 2 is HPV testing plus Cytology to check for abnormal cells. Please see below for more details.

Smear Test – Option 1 – HPV test only

In the NHS this type of smear test is the only one routinely offered. The test will only screen for the presence of the HPV virus. If this is detected then the cytology (checking the cells) will be carried out to see if there are any abnormal cells present. Evidence shows HPV testing is a more effective way to identify women at risk of cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus transmitted through sexual contact. Certain sub-types of HPV are linked to the development of abnormal cells and can cause cervical cancer. The total cost including the appointment and the test analysis is £153. Please note, if HPV is detected by the lab, then the cytology will be carried out free of charge.

Smear Test – Option 2 – HPV Test and Cytology

If you would like the Cytology (checking of the cells) carried out regardless of whether you have a negative or positive HPV result, then you can request to have both tested at the same time. A 20-minute appointment with one of our nurses or doctors is £93 plus the laboratory cost of the HPV test is £60 and the Cytology is £60. The total cost of the appointment is £214.